But, being a robot, the Sphero (as they've named it) does have a little more functionality than your everyday remote-controlled, er, ball. Apart from the gaming possibilities (think golf, sumo, social gaming, etc.), Orbotix also note that it "can be used as an ambient data device to alert you of weather changes, stock market news, and more." With open development API, the possibilities are limited only to the imagination of the app developer community - and the physical characteristics of a ball.

Still, you could definitely have a lot of fun with it.

If you want one, you can reserve yours now because, as they say, these balls are "Coming Late 2011." No, seriously, they do say that.